Reading about what a twink is can help
everybody be more understanding.
ALL ABOUT TWINKS...In online chats where Persona Play is popular, you may hear the word "twink" thrown around. Sometimes somebody whose behavior screams out "I'm a newbie!" may get branded a twink but this word comes from the roleplaying MUD ("multi-user dungeons") communities, and it doesn't mean "ignorant".A twink is somebody who is trying to get attention by deliberately breaking the rules or being highly inconsiderate of others. They are broadcasting their insecurity, their immaturity, their loneliness, and their boredom. They're usually unaware of the respect Persona Players accord those who are sensitive to the needs and feelings of others. Twinkiness is especially irritating to game staff because it recurs. The same dumb thing gets done by someone else and the staffer sees it again and again and again. (Ironically, the twink may be doing it because they think it's "original" and amuses others.) Sometimes the word "twink" is used to denigrate anybody whose play style is very different from one's own. This can be a sign that maybe that furre needs to find a Dream with rules that fit his or her preferences better. Sometimes those who prefer peaceful interaction call those who want to play out violent scenes "twinks". Sometimes those who prefer violent interaction call the peaceful players "twinks" because they apparently can't stand harsher storylines. Sometimes those who prefer negotiated outcomes (freeform) call those who want it decided by dice "twinks" because it looks like they are trying to force their way on their IC opponent. And sometimes, those who prefer dice call the freeformers "twinks" because they aren't as willing to leave an element of chance at the critical moments, and are thus seen as less brave. Sometimes "twink" is misused (and overused) to insult `somebody who wants to play out a power fantasy.' In Persona Play, there's often no rule against having a powerful character, so you'll see everything from cosmic space gods to invulnerable superheroes. Perhaps a more accurate term here is "powergamer" (which, in most online communities, is also a pejorative). I've noticed there's one more kind of twink, and that is, the one who hopes to force others to play their way by incessant namecalling. The mature veteran realizes that, in Persona Play, expecting others to play by your personal standards is expecting too much. Higher standards will require more rules-- and somebody empowered to enforce them. In Persona Play, the "right" way to play is the way that allows /all/ the players to feel comfortable. Furcadia is a freeform let's-pretend game without an established power limit for characters. If you're simply out in public and not in the Dragonlands RP area or in a private Dream where the Dream's owner decrees otherwise, you can play any power level you wish. Please don't call anybody a "powergamer". That word is offensive because it implies that there's only one way to play right. There isn't-- but there *is* such a thing as "twinkiness" and you should understand why other players don't appreciate it. 1. The Vamp Wannabe. A lord or lady of some forsaken kingdom, with every superpower in the book. Goes to the bar and orders blood or something bloodlike, oblivious to how unrealistic it is that a bartender would stock such a thing. In Persona Play, you can make up new character classes as you please. 2. The Jerk. Attempts to attack people at random. Sits in a bar being surly, provoking others into a verbal fight with them. Yells or tries to swear. Imagines that others don't respond because Jerk is so impressive. Acts as if the other things moving on the screen are computer-generated drones. Well, Jerk, those aren't drones, they're other players Ignoring you. You're just not believable or interesting or fun to interact with. In fact, if your behavior interrupts the natural flow of conversation and play for others, you'll be Ejected, or Booted. 3. The Two-bit Jezebel. Has a rude and/or tacky description that includes references to breasts, waist, and hips. They may try to pose or say things that go against the PG rating of the public areas. Tends to include LOTS of over-used words like `sultry', `gorgeous', `sensuous', `pert', and `hot'. Some descriptions immediately make many others suspicious that you're a male player out to get your jollies by embarassing other male players, or that you're a hideously unattractive girl in real life. Many furres interpret an extremely sexual descriptions as a poor attempt to manipulate them. 4. Mr./Ms. Lag. After a few amazing sessions of RP, Mr./Ms. Lag seems to be stuck in slow-motion. The poses and speeches come at three to four minute intervals, and when they do, they're purely re-active. Has some evil robot replaced your wonderful new friend?! Mr./Ms. Lag is probably Mr./Ms. Multi-worlder. He/She is playing other characters at the same time, not realizing that other players *can* tell. Lag is like halitosis, chronic bad breath. Other players must take the matter in hand, and page Mr./Ms. Lag that there is a problem, that the scene should be postponed and Mr./Ms. Lag should kindly show some respect and stop multi-worlding. This list could go on and on... Usually Twinkiness isn't serious, but a Guardian should be notified if a player is disruptive. If someone else's behaviour makes you very uncomfortable, please talk to someone on staff about it. We're here for you. :) Remember: Please Respect Others.
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